Edward Dayes (1763-1804)

Details
Edward Dayes (1763-1804)
Lycurgus entering Athens; and Theseus's Approach to Athens
signed and dated 'E Dayes 1797' and one further inscribed '...or the Knight's Tale...Dryden'; pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour with touches of white heightening and gum arabic
22 3/8 x 31 1/8in. (568 x 792mm.) a pair (2)

Lot Essay

A preliminary drawing for the watercolour of Theseus was included in a sketchbook by Dayes sold in these Rooms, 30 March 1993, lot 29 (#3,500). The subjects are taken from John Dryden's 'Palamon and Arcite', first published in 1700, a version in blank verse of Chaucer's Knights Tale, which itself is derived from Bocaccio The album (op.cit.) also included instructions, measurements and cross sections relating to the framing of these two watercolours

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